As we make our way through school, we’ll have different needs when it comes to choosing the right bags. Whether you’re a parent, or a student buying your own bag, understanding the various factors that should influence your purchase can help you make the right decision. Preschoolers should carry a small backpack while older kids will need sturdier bags for more school things.
Here are some things to consider with regard to age:
Nursery/Preschool (<5 years old): Small backpacks are suitable for preschool or nursery kids because they’re convenient enough to be carried by persons of a small frame, since they don’t need a lot of book or supplies at this age. A backpack with 14 x 10 inch dimensions, and a base of around 5 inches is just right for carrying a notebook, small towel, pencil case, plus lunch box or snacks. Small backpacks that can be converted into trolley bags are another option for when preschoolers need to carry heavy items. Kids of this age also love colorful and vibrant bags, especially those with their favorite cartoon characters. For this age group, parents may want to avoid investing in expensive bags since these are only used for the short term.
Elementary / Primary school (5-11 years old): Primary and elementary school kids need a slightly bigger backpack to carry more notebooks and books. For this age group, choose a medium backpack that is sturdy enough for carrying a heavier weight but one that is built with comfortable shoulder straps to reduce burden on the shoulders and back.
Middle school / Junior high school (11-14 years old): Most kids are teenagers by the time they reach middle school or junior high school, and this means that they’re usually more independent when it comes to choosing bags. Regardless, it is always a wise idea to invest in a good quality backpack that is renowned for being durable since the school workload for this educational level is more intense. Kids of this age are also more likely to participate in extra-curricular or after-school activities, and they may need to pack extra clothes during these days.
High school / Senior high school (14-18 years old): High school students lead very busy lives. For many kids, managing a high school schedule and the demands of academic pressure may mean that organization may take a backseat. For this reason, it’s recommended to invest in quality bags that are big on organization; this means a bag with lots of handy compartments will help high school students stay organized no matter what their schedules are like. There are lots of great school bags that come with numerous compartments inside their bags; better yet if they’re zippered.
College / University (18 and above): College kids easily have the most challenging schedules of all. Balancing a social life while meeting notorious academic demands is tough, so they need a bag that’s just as tough. College kids are recommended to invest in heavy-duty bags with a strong structural foundation, and one with generous space inside. They may do well with unisex and professional designs, as well. Additionally, the bags suited for college kids should be equipped with space for a laptop and/or tablet, since they are more likely to use these gadgets more. Having said that, a lightweight school bag is important because gadgets already tend to weigh a lot.
Finding the right school bag for various ages doesn’t have to be rocket science. It all comes down to choosing the right size specifications and functionality to cater to each of the age groups’ needs.
The Important Features To Look For In A School Backpack
Now that you’ve read about our top picks for the best school backpacks, it’s time to narrow down exactly what makes them excellent choices. When you’re doing the shopping yourself, here are the features you should look out for that will ensure you’re getting the right bag for your educational needs:
Size – School bags come in all sorts of sizes to cater to students of every age. Younger students will need a smaller backpack, while teens and college students will need bags with generous capacities. Check the bag’s size by reading up on its measurements or its capacity indicated by liter. This will tell you all about what the bag can carry, and if it will have extra space for your other essentials. Students using tablets or laptops should also take into consideration the size of the padded pockets for these gadgets; some bags only cater to 13-inch tablets while others can hold a 17-inch laptop.
Ergonomic design – Books and notebooks weigh a lot on their own, but if you had to carry all that and gadgets, then you could be sacrificing your safety if you don’t get a school bag with ergonomic features. Look for thick, padded straps; an S-shape, or a weighted design to help you keep your balance while improving your posture even if your load is heavy.
Compartments – Students need a lot of supplies and equipment for school. There are calculators, notebooks, pens, keys, phones, and other personal essentials that can easily get lost in a bag without proper compartments. This is why students should use bags that have at least two or three compartments inside. Bonus features include front zipper compartments and side pockets for water bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Backpack for School?
The best backpack for school depends on the specific needs of the student. Two factors that will help determine which option is the best include the age/grade of the student and how much he/she needs to carry.
With these factors in mind, the best backpack should be one that is comfortable to carry, durably constructed, and offers interior and exterior pockets and other features that will help to keep things organized and within easy reach.
How much should a backpack weigh for school?
Carrying a heavy backpack isn’t just tedious; it can also contribute to lower back pain, say medical experts. To avoid issues, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest that a loaded backpack weigh no more than 20 percent of a student’s weight; for example, 12 pounds should be the maximum weight of student who weighs 60 pounds.
A lightweight backpack that’s constructed of durable fabric is recommended, as the weight of the back while it’s empty will contribute to the weight – and comfort – of the back when it’s fully backed. In other words, opt for a backpack that’s lightweight when empty.
How many liters is a school backpack?
The ideal amount of liters depends on the age/size of the student, as well as how much the student needs to carry. Consider the content size of the bag in liters, as this will give you a good indication of the amount of space it offers and how much it can carry.
For primary school students, a 20 liter backpack would be ideal, as children of this age are smaller and don’t need to carry as much.
Secondary school students often need to carry more books, and therefore require packs that offer more space; a backpack of 21 to 30 liters would be suitable for this age.
For older students who need to transport larger items, such as laptops, textbooks, and folders, a backpack that’s larger than 31 liters would afford enough space.
How should a school backpack fit?
To ensure comfort, selecting a backpack that fits properly is vital. Since students’ sizes vary, taking measurements is highly recommended.
Use a flexible tape measure to determine the dimensions and shop for a backpack that corresponds to the torso length; anything longer will be uncomfortable to carry. The length of a torso is the distance from the sixth vertebra in the neck to waistline.
To evenly distribute weight, opt for a backpack with wide shoulder straps. When wearing the back, the straps should be positioned so that they are even with the shoulders and the upper back.
What backpack should I get for middle school?
The type of backpack a middle school student should select depends on the amount of items he or she will be carrying, as well as his or her size.
Generally, a 21 to 30 liter backpack is ideal for the average middle school student; however, for smaller students or students who do not need to carry as much, a bag that’s less than 21 liters may be a better choice, while larger-framed students may be able to safely carry back that’s 31 liters or more.
What backpack should I get for high school?
The type of backpack a high school student should select depends on the amount of items he or she will be carrying, as well as his or her size.
Larger students who need to carry more may be able to comfortably and safely use packs that are 31 liters in size or more; however, for students who are smaller in stature or who can stow items in lockers, a back between 21 and 30 liters would be a good option.
A Good Backpack Is A Student’s Best Friend
Students no matter what age lead demanding lives. Almost everything else goes in the backseat, because your mind is occupied with grades, exams, and projects. Not to mention the extra-curricular demands and social life that comes with high school and college. But that’s part of student life.
When you have everything you need to successfully accomplish your academic tasks, that’s one less thing to worry about. Having the right school backpack will free up your mental resources to allow you to focus on the bigger things in your life. Bags that have been specially designed for school needs in various levels may cost the same as other backpacks, but without careful thought, you could be spending money on a bag that will only give you problems in school.
School bags will continue evolving the years, but these bags are definitely some of the best out there. As you can see from the price points, there’s no need to shell out a lot of money to find a good quality school bag. In fact, you’ll make an even bigger mistake if you buy a backpack that’s cheap but ill-fitted for your school needs. You need to make smart choices for school; why not start with your bag?
